Coronavirus in Japan: Travel Updates

Last updated: Oct 15th 2022

Follow our latest updates on the coronavirus (Covid-19) situation in Japan.

In summary

Since October 11th 2022, Japan has fully reopened its borders to tourists, allowing visa-free, independent tourism once again 🙌

  • A visa is no longer required for short stays (up to 90 days).
  • It's not necessary to book through a travel agency.
  • Daily entry caps have been phased out entirely.

Read more

Table of contents

  1. Travel updates
  2. Staying safe in Japan: Covid FAQ
  3. Travel Advisories
  4. Official resources
     

As borders re-open, we'll no longer be updating this page regularly. Always check official venue websites for their latest updates.

Travel Updates

Borders set to Reopen to Independent Travel

Japan will allow visa-free, independent tourism and abolish daily arrival caps from Oct 11th, announces Prime Minister Kishida. Via Japan Times

Borders open for Tour Groups

Japan's cautious reopening to overseas tourists coincides with strict infection-prevention measures and rules for those hoping to visit Japan. Via Nippon

Priority Entry for Business/Students: Further Easing

In addition to relaxed border controls introduced March 1st for business travellers and students, the daily cap is expected to be raised to 7,000 from March 14th. Via The Mainichi

Japan Could Ease Border Controls from March

Prime Minister Kishida announced on Feb 12th the possibility during a visit to Haneda Airport, with the deadline for current measures currently set for Feb 28th. Via Asahi News

Omicron Measures Extended to March 6th: Tokyo and 12 More Prefectures

Prime Minister Kishida announced an extension of quasi-state of emergencies for Tokyo and 12 prefectures by three weeks to stem the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant. Via Kyodo

Quasi-Emergency Extended from Jan 27th: 34 Prefectures, including Shizuoka, Nagano & Fukuoka

Quasi-emergency measures are expanded from Jan 27th to cover 34 prefectures in Japan. Such measures allow governors to request shortened business hours for restaurants and restrictions on serving alcohol. Via Kyodo

Quasi-Emergency Expands: 13 More Prefectures, including Tokyo, Expected To Be Added

Quasi-emergency measures are expected to be brought to Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures from January 21 through February 13, bringing the total to 16 prefectures under such measures. Via NHK

Quasi-Emergency: Okinawa, Hiroshima & Yamaguchi

Quasi-emergency measures were announced in 3 prefectures to stem high Omicron infections, in part due to outbreaks at US military bases in those prefectures. Via Kyodo News

Omicron Variant: Japan Re-Closes to New Foreign Visitors

Effective Tues Nov 30th, Japan reverses previous border measures (provisionally for one month) for businesspeople, students and technical interns who will not be allowed into Japan. Japanese nationals or foreign residents remain unaffected, but new quarantine procedures are announced for those arriving from at-risk countries. Via Japan Times

Entry Restrictions Eased for Business Travellers, Students and Interns

Effective Nov 8th, international border restrictions were lifted for businesspeople, students and technical interns coming to Japan. This includes those visiting Japan for short business trips, or longer-term transfers. Unlike the current 14-day quarantine window, vaccinated business travellers only have to self-quarantine for 3 days, with sponsoring companies observing for an additional 7 days. For vaccinated students/trainees, the quarantine window is down to 10 days. Via Asahi News

Early Closure/Alcohol Rules Lifted in Tokyo & Osaka

Following the ending of last month's State of Emergency, some coronavirus safety rules (e.g. restricted opening hours until 8pm and serving of alcohol) that were kept in place are finally being removed in Tokyo and Osaka, as well as Chiba, Saitama, Hyogo and Kanagawa. Via Kyodo News

State of Emergency Extends to Sept 30

Japan's Covid-19 State of Emergency is extended until Sep 30 in a total of 19 prefectures – with quasi measures extended to 8 prefectures and lifted in another 6 prefectures. Via Kyodo News

State of Emergency Widens & Extends to Sept 12

With the Delta variant contributing to increasing infections, a total of 29 prefectures will be placed under Covid-19 emergency measures. Via Kyodo News

New State of Emergency to Be In Place By Olympics

A fresh COVID-19 state of emergency has been decided for the duration of the Olympics in an effort to curb a recent infection surge. Via Kyodo News

State of Emergency to be Lifted in 9 prefectures

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced Japan's third State of Emergency would be lifted on June 20 in 9 prefectures, with the exception of Okinawa which extends until July 11. Seven prefectures will continue to be subject to quasi-emergency measures — including asking establishments to close by 8pm and stop serving alcohol by 7pm. Via Japan Times

EU adds Japan to Safe Travel List

EU recommends to its member states to add Japan to its list of safe countries where restrictions on non-essential travel by Japan residents can be gradually lifted Via Japan Times

State of Emergency Extended to June 20th

Prime Minister Suga announces extension to existing State of Emergency with the order to remain for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Aichi, Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Okayama and Hiroshima. Via Japan Times

State of Emergency Expanded to Hokkaido, Okayama and Hiroshima

State of Emergency measures expanded to 8 prefectures in new move that replaces earlier 'quasi-emergency' plans. Japan is grappling with a continual surge just 10 weeks before the Tokyo Olympics is expected to start.  Via Kyodo News

State of Emergency Extended to May 31

State of Emergency measures continue in Tokyo & Osaka, also expanded to other prefectures (Aichi, Fukuoka).  Via Kyodo News

Third State of Emergency Confirmed: April 25–May 11

Japan's 3rd State of Emergency covers Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo and extends through Golden Week, with new measures to curb entertainment venues, events and gatherings.  Via Kyodo News

Quasi-emergency COVID-19 measures start in Osaka, Hyogo, Miyagi

The three prefectures are the first to see special, stricter measures introduced following a February law change.  Via Kyodo News

Vaccine Rollout Continues

Japan's vaccine rollout started in late February and continues with a 6th batch of Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine received.  Via Kyodo News

No Entry for Overseas Spectators to Tokyo 2020

Japan's vaccine rollout started in late February and continues to ramp up the pace, with a 6th batch of Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine received.  Via Tokyo 2020

State of Emergency Extended until March 7th

Japan's second State of Emergency is extended until March 7th to help overcome pressure on hospitals in 10 prefectures, including Tokyo, Kanagawa and Osaka.  Via Kyodo News

Second State of Emergency: Extended to Seven More Prefectures

A second State of Emergency is extended to help overcome rising infections in Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Aichi, Gifu, Tochigi and Fukuoka.  Via Japan Times

Second State of Emergency: Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama & Kanagawa

A second month-long State of Emergency is declared to help overcome rising infections in 4 of Japan's prefectures.  Via Japan Times

Foreign Visitors Halted over New Virus Strain

Foreign visitors have been banned from entering Japan around the same time as the domestic Go To Travel campaign sees a suspension.  Via Japan Times

Health Monitoring Centres for Tourists in March

The government is expected to launch a dedicated health monitoring center in March 2021, to help register and document the health of international tourist arrivals next Spring.  Read More

Govt Sets Negative Test Requirement

Entry to Japan for the time being will require a negative COVID-19 test result conducted witin 72 hours of the departure flight.  Via MoFA

PCR Test Center Opens at Narita Airport

On-the-spot testing facility opens at Narita Airport to provide travellers proof of negative coronavirus tests before embarking to travel overseas.  Via Narita Airport

Border Restrictions Relaxed for Non-Tourist Visas

From October, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announces a wider scope for visa applications for those visiting Japan to work, study, visit relatives and more.  Via Japan Times

Re-Entry Restrictions for Foreign Residents To Be Lifted from Sept 1st

Foreign residents stuck overseas will finally be permitted to re-enter Japan under new polymerase chain reaction (PCR) infection test rules.  Read More

Re-Entry Permitted to Foreign Nationals Stuck Overseas

Policy change will allow Japan's foreign residents who may be stuck overseas, like Permanent Residence holder or spouses of Japanese nationals, to re-enter if they left Japan before travel restrictions were originally imposed in April.  Read More

Alert Raised for 17 New Countries/Regions

Travel advisory raised for Palestine and 16 countries, including Nepal, Kenya and Venezuela, over concerns with the spread of the novel coronavirus.  Read More

18 Countries Added to Entry Ban List

Japan expands its entry ban to visitors from 18 nations, including Cuba, as a continued step to help curtail the spread of coronavirus.  Read More

Japan's Contract Tracing App Launched

Free Microsoft-developed app is launched for Android and iOS. 'COCOA: COVID-19 Contact App' aims to alert users if they been in close proximity to someone infected with coronavirus.  Read More

Tokyo Lifts Coronavirus Alert

An alert warning about possible increases in coronavirus infections in Tokyo was lifted, in another step towards a full resumption of economic activity.  Read More

Travel alert raised for 18 new countries

The countries, mostly in Africa and Central America, may be added to a list totalling 111 countries and territories that would mean denied entry to Japan if visited within two weeks of arrival.  Read More

Re-Entry Rules Relaxed for Foreign Residents

Move reverses a re-entry ban and policy that favoured Japanese nationals repatriating but banned foreign residents from returning to their home in Japan for any reason, even humanitarian.  Read More

Japan expected to lift emergency procedures on Monday

Lifting is expected to be announced by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday 25th May, following a continuous fall in infection rates. Such a move would apply to Tokyo and it surrounding prefectures (Chiba, Saitama, Kanagawa) as well as Hokkaido.  Read More

State of emergency lifted in Osaka and surrounding area

The state of emergency imposed due to the coronavirus is lifted in Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo. Now 42 out of 47 prefectures have seen their emergency measures ended.  Read More

State of emergency lifted in most of Japan

The state of emergency imposed due to the coronavirus is lifted in 39 out of 47 prefectures, after a sharp fall in new infections.  Read More

Govt Considers Lifting Emergency in Less-Affected Prefectures

In consultation with a panel of experts, the government considers partially lifting restrictions in 34 prefectures.  Read More

Abe Extends State of Emergency to May 31st

Abe makes announcement to extend nationwide State of Emergency to help reduce rate of new coronavirus infections.  Read More

Japanese Govt Plans Contact-Tracing App for May

Smartphone app planned for early May will help warn users if they have been in contact with a diagnosed Covid-19 patient.  Read More

Nationwide State of Emergency Declared

Abe expands state of emergency to cover entire nation on Thursday to help prevent further spread of the coronavirus.

Abe Announces State of Emergency

Government poised to declare state of emergency from Tuesday, covering Tokyo, Kanagawa, Osaka, Chiba, Saitama, Hyogo and Fukuoka.  Read More

Tokyo Governor Issues Stay at Home Request

To counter an increase in confirmed infections, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government asks residents to work from home and refrain from going out in evenings and weekends.  Read More

Tokyo 2020: Officially Postponed until 2021

IOC announces decision to postpone the Olympic Games to no later than the summer of 2021, to safeguard the health of athletes, those involved in delivering the Games and the international community.  Read More

Visa exemption measures suspended for Schengen countries, rest of EU

Effective 21st March, 00:00 JST: Holders of a passport issued by affected countries (see MOFA site), intending to enter Japan without obtaining a visa, will not be permitted to land.  Read More

Japan asks Europe visitors to self-quarantine for 14 days,extends entry ban

Effective 21st March, 00:00 JST: Government plans to impose new restrictions on visitors from about 30 European countries, including Britain, France and Germany. Entry bans extend to cover Iceland and parts of Spain, Italy and Switzerland.  Read More

Japan mulls entry ban for Italy visitors

Government sources suggest a plan to impose new restrictions on visitors from parts of northern Italy in response to the coronavirus situation there. Read More

Japan to Quarantine all China and S. Korea Visitors

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announces new safeguard to quarantine all visitors for 2 weeks from coronavirus-hit China and South Korea, as well as parts of Iran. Read More

JAL, ANA offer free cancellations

Two of Japan's major airlines, JAL and ANA, are offering free refunds for all tickets through March 19th that have been canceled as a result of fears about the coronavirus. Read More

Travel Advisory: Visitors from Korea Regions Restricted Access

Visitors with a travel history to Korea's Daegu City or Cheongdo County within 14 days are being restricted access to Japan (Effective Feb 27th 2020). Read More

Travel Advisory: Visitors from China Regions Restricted Access

Visitors from Wuhan (Hubei)and Zhejiang Provinces are being restricted access to Japan and may not be allowed to land in Japan (Effective Feb 13th 2020).

Temporarily Closed Places in Japan: A-Z Directory

Mazda Museum

Mazda Museum

The Mazda Museum is currently closed. Tour reservations are also temporarily unavailable. Further updates will be posted to the Mazda Museum official..

Hiroshima
Robot Restaurant

Robot Restaurant

4.5 (2Reviews)

Temporarily closed until further notice due to coronavirus measures

Tokyo
Toei Animation Museum

Toei Animation Museum

Closed temporarily until further notice, as part of nationwide anti-coronavirus measures.

Tokyo

Cancelled events

Covid in Japan FAQ

The World Health Organization's advice is as follows:

  • Wash your hands regularly – with soap and warm water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizers (at least 60% alcohol)
  • Maintain social distancing – avoid those who are coughing or sneezing (at least 1m). Some countries are implementing lockdowns and recommending keeping 2m from strangers.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth – potential points of entry for coronavirus particles
  • Practice respiratory hygiene – covering your mouth when you cough, and disposing of tissues promptly followed by washing hands.
  • Wear a mask – wearing a face covering can help prevent the spread of infection. See their dedicated guidance here on face masks.

Summary: The WHO recommends wearing face masks as of June 2020.

If you are travelling in Japan, wearing a face mask in certain contexts (e.g. riding public transport, crowded areas) can be an effective measure as part of a wider strategy against infection/transmission, as per WHO guidelines.

Whether you are already in Japan, preparing for a trip, or are planning ahead, we recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance. This is both to insure against the prospect of unforeseen medical expenses if the need arise, but also against changing travel plans as the situation develops.

Note that it is essential to check your home country travel advice if you plan to travel to Japan. This is to ensure there is no impact on your insurance coverage.

Contact JNTO's Visitor Hotline. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) operate a 24/7 visitor hotline service, available in English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese. It can be called for assistance in case of accidents or emergencies relating to the coronavirus:

  • From Japan 050-3816-2787
  • From Overseas +81-50-3816-2787

If you are feeling unwell, please consult the following:

As of Oct 11th 2022, visitors can now enter Japan visa-free for short-term stays (up to 90 days).

Official Japan travel advisories

Please consult these official advisories from countries overseas to gauge the current advice on travelling overseas at this time.

Country Status
USA Exercise Normal Precautions Updated: Oct 11th 2022
UK No travel restrictions in place for Japan Updated: Oct 22nd 2021
Singapore No travel restrictions in place for Japan Updated: April 26th 2022
Canada No travel restrictions in place for Japan Updated: June 1st 2022
Australia No travel restrictions in place for Japan Updated: Aug 1st 2022
NZ No travel restrictions in place for Japan Updated: Aug 1st 2022

JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization)

Official coronavirus updates
@JapanSafeTravel